Which factor increases stopping distances in adverse weather?

• A. Slippery surfaces
• B. Better visibility
• C. Higher tire pressures
• D. Dry pavement

Answer: (A)

In adverse weather, stopping distances grow mainly because the surface becomes slippery, reducing the grip between tires and pavement. When traction is reduced by rain, snow, or ice, tires can't decelerate as effectively, so braking takes longer and the total stopping distance increases. Drivers should compensate by lowering speed and increasing following distance to account for this longer stopping distance. Better visibility helps you react sooner, which can shorten overall stopping distance, higher tire pressures can affect traction but don’t explain the weather-related increase as directly, and dry pavement provides more grip, not less.